Immersion blender

ABSTRACT

A mixing appliance assembly includes a housing, which includes a motor and shaft operably coupled with the motor and extending outwardly from the housing. A top handle is operably coupled with a top end of the housing and includes a pulse button and a continuous run switch. A side port is disposed in the housing and configured to receive a port connecting member and includes an interlocking feature. An interlock switch is disposed inside the side port. A switch engagement member is configured to engage the interlock switch such that the continuous run switch can be depressed. A bowl clamp is engageable with the side port and configured to removably secure the housing to a bowl and includes the switch engagement member. A side handle is engageable with the side port and is configured to be removably coupled with the housing and aid a user in handling the mixing appliance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/117,748, filed Feb. 18,2015, entitled “IMMERSION BLENDER,” and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/162,118, filed May 15, 2015, entitled “HAND BLENDER,” the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a blender, and morespecifically, to an immersion or hand blender for use in mixing foodgoods.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Current hand blenders can be difficult to control, which leads tofatigue and performance issues. In addition, a user grabs the blendingarm, which leads to potential safety and sanitary concerns with the foodbeing prepared. Also, current hand blenders have permanently mountedhandles or stand-alone mixing pot mounting solutions that are cumbersomeand expensive. These systems generally require a user to reset an on/offswitch after releasing a pulse button and a continuous run feature isoffered directly through the switch. In the present disclosure, a portcan be used for multiple features and devices, such as a pot mountingdevice or a secondary handle. The present disclosure also includes aunique operating state without having to reset through an on/off switch.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a mixing applianceassembly. A housing includes a motor and a shaft operably coupled withthe motor and extending outwardly from the housing. A top handle isoperably coupled with a top end of the housing and includes a pulsebutton and a continuous run switch. A side port is disposed in thehousing. The side port is configured to receive a port connecting memberand includes an interlocking feature. An interlock switch is disposedinside the side port. A switch engagement member is configured to engagethe interlock switch such that the continuous run switch can bedepressed. A bowl clamp is engageable with the side port and isconfigured to removably secure the housing to a bowl. The bowl clampincludes the switch engagement member. A side handle is engageable withthe side port and is configured to be removably coupled with the housingand aid a user in handling the mixing appliance. The side handle is freeof the switch engagement member.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a mixing applianceassembly. A housing includes a top end and a bottom end. A shaft extendsfrom the bottom end of the housing. The shaft includes a proximal endand a distal end. A motor is disposed inside the housing and is operablycoupled with the proximal end of the shaft. A blade is disposed on thedistal end of the shaft and is configured to rotate about a central axisof the shaft upon activation of the motor. A top handle is operablycoupled with the top end of the housing. A side port is disposed in thehousing. The side port is configured to engage at least one of a handleand a bowl clamp. The side port includes an interlocking feature that isactuated when the bowl clamp is engaged with the side port such that acontinuous run feature of the motor can be activated.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a mixing applianceassembly. A housing includes a motor and a shaft operably coupled withthe motor and extending outwardly from the housing. A top handle isoperably coupled with a top end of the housing and includes a pulsebutton. A port is disposed in the housing. The port includes aninterlocking feature that is actuated upon connection with a bowl clampsuch that a continuous run feature of the motor can be activated.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentdisclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilledin the art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an immersion blender of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial top perspective view of an upper portionof the immersion blender of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the immersion blender of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial bottom perspective view of the upperportion of the immersion blender of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial first side elevational view of the upperportion of the immersion blender of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial second side elevational view of the upperportion of the immersion blender of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial third side elevational view of the upperportion of the immersion blender of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial fourth side elevational view of the upperportion of the immersion blender of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the immersion blender of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the immersion blender of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of an immersion blender of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial top perspective view of an upper portionof the immersion blender of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the immersion blender of FIG.11;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial bottom perspective view of the upperportion of the immersion blender of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial first side elevational view of the upperportion of the immersion blender of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial second side elevational view of the upperportion of the immersion blender of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial third side elevational view of the upperportion of the immersion blender of FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial fourth side elevational view of the upperportion of the immersion blender of FIG. 11;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the immersion blender of FIG. 11;

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the immersion blender of FIG. 11;

FIG. 21 is a first side perspective view of an immersion blender of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a second side perspective view of the immersion blender ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a first side elevational view of the immersion blender ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a second side elevational view of the immersion blender ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of the immersion blender of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is a rear elevational view of the immersion blender of FIG. 21;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the immersion blender of FIG. 21;

FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view of the immersion blender of FIG. 21;

FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional elevational view of the immersionblender of FIG. 21 taken at line A-A;

FIG. 30 is a side cross-sectional elevational view of the immersionblender of FIG. 21 taken at line B-B;

FIG. 31A is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a type of handle ofan immersion blender of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31B is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of another type ofhandle of an immersion blender of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32A is an enlarged side elevational view of a handle of the presentdisclosure

FIG. 32B is an enlarged side elevational view of another handle of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a front bottom perspective view of a bowl clamp of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a rear top perspective view of the bowl clamp of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a first side elevational view of the bowl clamp of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a second side elevational view of the bowl clamp of FIG. 33;

FIG. 37 is a top plan view of the bowl clamp of FIG. 33;

FIG. 38 is a bottom plan view of the bowl clamp of FIG. 33;

FIG. 39 is a front elevational view of the bowl clamp of FIG. 33;

FIG. 40 is a rear elevational view of the bowl clamp of FIG. 33;

FIG. 41 is a side cross-sectional view of the bowl clamp of FIG. 33;

FIG. 42 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the bowl clamp of FIG.33;

FIG. 43 is a side cross-sectional view of a bowl with a bowl clamp andimmersion blender of the present disclosure disposed therein;

FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of the bowl clamp and immersionblender taken at area XLIV; and

FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of a drive shaft of an immersionblender of the present disclosure after removal from the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However,it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume variousalternative orientations, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-45, reference numeral 10 generally designates amixing device having a housing 12 defining a plurality of lateral vents14. The housing 12 defines an inner chamber 16 configured to support amotor 17. A shaft 18 is operably coupled with the motor 17 and isconfigured for rotation. A shaft cover 20 is operably coupled with afirst end 22 of the housing 12 and extends around a longitudinal extentof the shaft 18. A top handle 24 is disposed on a second end 26 of thehousing 12. A side handle 27 is operably coupled with and extends from aside 28 of the housing 12. The side handle 27 includes a flange 23defining a flared connecting end and a rounded distal end 25.

The mixing device 10 is generally configured for use with a mixing bowlor other such container containing a material for mixing. The top handle24 and side handle 27 of the mixing device 10 are configured to providegripping positions for a user, such that stability of the mixing device10 can be maintained while the mixing device 10 is in operation. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, the top handle 24 includes agenerally Y-shaped construction with first and second supports 29, 30extending upwardly from the housing 12. A cross bar 31 extends laterallybetween the first and second supports 29, 30. A power on/off button 33may be disposed proximate the top handle 24 to prevent the shaft 18 fromturning. The side handle 27 may be removably secured with the housing 12via a mechanical fastening arrangement, such as via a threadedinterference fit connection, a snap-in connection, a magneticconnection, a friction fit connection, etc. The top handle 24 may alsoinclude a downwardly extending bulbous ridge 35 (FIG. 4) to providegripping comfort to a user. Alternatively, the ridge 35 may act as apressure sensitive on/off switch or pulse switch.

With reference to FIGS. 1-10, the side handle 27 includes a generallyelongate configuration. The side handle 27 may include a textured orknurled surface that allows a user to more securely grip the side handle27. In addition, the housing 12 includes a band 32 that extends aroundthe housing 12 proximate the first end 22 or lower portion of thehousing 12. The band 32 may be constructed from metal, plastic, etc.,and may be purely cosmetic or may provide structural support to thehousing 12. A gasket 38 is positioned below the band 32. Further, theplurality of vents 14 disposed on the housing 12 are oriented in ahorizontal or lateral orientation around a substantial portion of thehousing 12. The plurality of vents 14 act to air cool internalcomponents of the mixing device 10. As illustrated, the housing 12 alsoincludes the second end 26 or upper portion proximate the top handle 24.The upper portion of the housing 12 includes a smaller width than thelower portion or a chamfered side edge 36. In addition, the upperportion includes an adjustable dial 40 configured to adjust the speed ofrotation of the shaft 18, and consequently, the speed of rotation of ablade 42 (FIGS. 3 and 10) disposed at the end of the shaft 18. Theadjustable dial 40 includes a plurality of vertically oriented grippingribs 43. The gripping ribs 43 provide increased frictional resistancewhich results in a more easily turned dial 40. Indicia 45 are disposedon the adjustable dial 40 to indicate to the user various speedsettings.

With reference again to FIGS. 1-3, the blade 42 is covered by adownwardly turned cup portion 44 that is disposed on a distal end 46 ofthe shaft cover 20. A shaft cover support 48 extends downwardly from thelower portion of the housing 12 and is secured with the shaft cover 20.The shaft cover support 48 provides additional rigidity at the interfacewhere the shaft cover 20 is received into the housing 12. The shaftcover support 48 also includes an outwardly turned flange 50 proximatethe distal end 46.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-20, a mixing device 100 includes similarfeatures to the mixing device 10 disclosed above in relation to FIGS.1-10, but includes a top handle 102 that is concentrically aligned withthe shaft cover 20 and has a widened distal end 103. The top handle 102includes a protuberance 105 that could serve as an additional grip, apulse button, or both. It is also contemplated that the protuberance 105may include two buttons that control functionality of the mixing device100. A lower button 106 that acts as a start trigger or pulse button toactuate the mixing device 100, which results in rotation of the shaft 18and the blade 42, and also an upper button 107 that, once the lowerbutton 106 is depressed, acts as a continuous run button. Accordingly, auser can effectively keep the mixing device 100 operating without havingto continually apply pressure to the lower button 106. In addition, themixing device 100 includes a side handle 104 having a bulbous knob-likeconfiguration. This construction is less bulky than the constructionshown with reference to FIGS. 1-10 above. However, many of the featuresare similar or the same as those set forth above.

Notably, in FIGS. 1-20 in each of the configurations, the mixing devices10, 100 may include a locking feature on the top handle. Thisconstruction allows for the mixing devices 10, 100 to be locked, suchthat the blade 42 will not operate absent user intervention.

With reference now to FIGS. 21-32, reference numeral 200 generallydesignates an immersion blender or mixing device having an operatingstate in which a user can press a pulse button 201 disposed on top ofthe immersion blender 200 without having to reset through an on/offswitch, as disclosed in further detail herein. An upper button 203,which may be a continuous on or on/off switch, is disposed above thepulse button 201. The immersion blender 200 includes a housing 212defining a plurality of vents 214. The housing 212 defines an innerchamber 216 configured to support a motor 217. The motor 217 may bepowered by another power source, or may receive electrical power from anelectrical cord operably coupled with the mixing device 200 at, forexample, an upper handle. A shaft 218 is operably coupled with the motor217 and is configured for rotation. A shaft cover 220 is operablycoupled with a first end 222 of the housing 212 and extends around alongitudinal extent of the shaft 218. A top handle 224 is disposed on asecond end 226 of the housing 212. The top handle 224 extends from thehousing 212 in a direction away from, but concentrically aligned with,the shaft cover 220. A side handle 227 is operably coupled with andextends from a side of the housing 212. The shaft 218 and shaft cover220 are removable, as shown in FIG. 45.

The mixing device 200 is generally configured for use with a mixing bowlor other such container containing a material for mixing. The top handle224 and side handle 227 of the mixing device 200 are configured toprovide gripping positions for a user, such that stability of the mixingdevice 200 can be maintained while the mixing device 200 is inoperation. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21-32, the top handle224 includes a generally elongate construction extending upwardly fromthe housing 212. A power on/off button 233 may be disposed on a top endof the top handle 224. The power on/off button 233 is a switch thatprovides power via an electrical cord to the mixing device 200 so thatthe mixing device 200 can operate. The side handle 227 may be removablysecured with the housing 212 via a mechanical fastening arrangement,such as via a threaded interference fit connection, a snap-inconnection, a magnetic connection, a friction fit connection, etc. Thetop handle 224 extends away from the housing 212 and may be generallyconcentrically aligned with the housing 212.

With reference again to FIGS. 21-32A, and 32B, the side handle 227 mayinclude a generally bulbous configuration (FIGS. 31A and 32A) or includea generally elongate configuration (FIGS. 31B and 32B). In addition, thehousing 212 includes a band 232 that extends around the housing 212proximate the first end 222 or lower portion of the housing 212.Further, the plurality of vents 214 disposed on the housing 212 areoriented in a horizontal or lateral orientation around a substantialportion of the housing 212. As illustrated, the housing 212 alsoincludes the second end 226 or upper portion proximate the top handle224. The upper portion of the housing 212 includes a smaller width thanthe lower portion or a chamfered side edge 236. In addition, the upperportion includes an adjustable dial 240 configured to adjust the speedof rotation of the shaft 218, and consequently, a blade 242 disposed atthe end of the shaft 218. The adjustable dial 240 includes a pluralityof vertically oriented gripping ribs 243. Indicia 245 are disposed onthe adjustable dial 240 to indicate to the user various speed settings.The blade 242 is covered by a downwardly turned cup portion 244 that isdisposed on a distal end 246 of the shaft cover 220. The cup portion 244is illustrated with a plurality of slots 247 that aid in flowingmaterial to be mixed toward the blade 242. A shaft cover support 248extends downwardly from the lower portion of the housing 212 and issecured with the shaft cover 220. The shaft cover support 248 includes asupportive flange 250 proximate the distal end 246. The supportiveflange 250 may include decorative designs and a more robust constructionto firmly secure the removable shaft cover 220 when disposed therein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 25, 31A, and 31B and disclosed in more detailherein, the immersion blender 200 can be manually activated and pulsedvia the pulse button 201 disposed on the top handle 224. However, theimmersion blender 200 also includes an interlock switch 253 for use witha continuous run feature that can operate in a hands free environment.The interlock switch 253 is disposed in the housing 212. It is generallycontemplated that the continuous run feature will be available throughthe use of a securing device, such as a bowl clamp 260, that canmaintain the immersion blender 200 in a particular position relative toa bowl 261. The continuous run feature allows a user to activate theimmersion blender 200, while the immersion blender 200 is secured to thebowl 261, and leave the immersion blender 200 operating for apredetermined period. This same functionality is generally prohibitedwhen the immersion blender 200 is being used manually by a user. Stateddifferently, the continuous run feature can be used when the immersionblender 200 is coupled with a bowl 261 via a bowl clamp or similardevice.

The continuous run feature includes an electrical or mechanicalinterlock switch 253 that is disposed inside a receiving port 263positioned on a side portion of the housing 212 of the immersion blender200 and is activated only when the bowl clamp 260 is secured therewith.It is generally contemplated that the interlock switch 253 may bedepressed when the immersion blender 200 is secured with the bowl clamp260. Alternatively, the interlock switch 253 may be depressed after theimmersion blender 200 has been secured with the bowl clamp 260 in thebowl 261. In this instance, a user takes the additional step to cause aport connecting member having a switching engagement member to engagethe interlock switch 253 as disclosed in further detail herein. When theinterlock switch 253 is depressed, a continuous run switch 268 disposedon an outside of the housing 212 can be depressed after the pulse button201 disposed on the top handle 224 is actuated, thereby leaving theimmersion blender 200 in an activated state. If the interlock switch 253is not depressed, the continuous run switch 268 cannot be permanentlydepressed or activated. Consequently, the pulse button 201 cannot bemaintained in an actuated state unless a user physically holds the pulsebutton 201 down.

With reference again to FIGS. 31A and 31B, the receiving port 263 isalso configured to receive the secondary handle 227. However, thesecondary handle 227 does not engage the interlock switch 253. Rather,the secondary handle 227 includes a void 274 into which the interlockswitch 253 extends. Consequently, the interlock switch 253 is not pushedor depressed when the secondary handle 227 is engaged with the housing212. Thus, the continuous run switch 268 will not actuate and theimmersion blender 200 cannot be left operating without a user applyingforce to the pulse button 201 or continuous on the upper button 203. Theshaft cover 220 of the immersion blender 200 also includes a screw onblender interface 280 (FIG. 46), which may include a detent 282.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-45, one embodiment of the bowl clamp 260 isprovided. The bowl clamp 260 includes a generally elongate body 300configured to extend partially into the bowl 261 (FIG. 43). A top end302 of the body 300 includes a clamping device 304 having a rim abutmentmember 305 and an outside abutment member 306. The outside abutmentmember 306 includes a tightener 308 with a threaded member 309 thatrotates into a space defined between the outside abutment member 306 andthe body 300 (FIGS. 35 and 36). As the tightener 308 is rotated, thebody 300 is frictionally secured against an inside wall 310 of the bowl261. A lower portion 312 of the body 300 includes a plurality of ribs314 that stabilize an inwardly-projecting support arm 316. Theinwardly-projecting support arm 316 includes securing tabs 317 thatdefine a receiving slot 318 configured to engage the shaft cover support248 of the immersion blender 200. It is also contemplated that the bowlclamp 260 may be connected to the bowl 261 only at a top portion thereof(see FIGS. 43 and 44). An inside wall 320 connecting the securing tabs317 and defining the receiving slot 318 includes a plurality of frictionmembers 322 that may include a material having a high coefficient offriction that will easily grasp the shaft cover support 248, securingthe same within the receiving slot 318.

In use, the bowl clamp 260 is secured to the side of the bowl 261 withthe body 300 extending into the bowl 261 and the receiving slot 318projecting toward a center portion of the bowl 261. The immersionblender 200 is then positioned in the bowl 261 with the shaft coversupport 248 securely engaged with the receiving slot 318 of theinwardly-projecting support arm 316. Once the inwardly-projectingsupport arm 316 is secured, a user is free to operate the immersionblender 200 as desired. Although shown opening forward, the receivingslot 318 could also open to either side of the body 300.

In the event the user wishes to operate the immersion blender 200 in ahands free condition without having to hold down the pulse button 201,the user can secure a port connecting member 330 disposed on the bowlclamp 260 with the receiving port 263 disposed in the side of thehousing 212. The body 300 includes an elongate slot configured to allowvertical sliding movement of a port connecting member 330. Accordingly,the port connecting member 330, and consequently the immersion blender200, can be moved vertically to accommodate different bowl sizes. Inaddition, the angle of the body 300 relative to the bowl 261 can beadjusted, as well as the angle of the immersion blender 200, relative tothe port connecting member 330. The port connecting member 330 isconfigured to engage the interlock switch 253 disposed inside thereceiving port 263, thereby enabling the continuous run feature.Specifically, the port connecting member 330 includes a switchengagement member 332 generally in the form of an adjustable pin, whichmay be biased by a spring 353, that engages the interlock switch 253such that the continuous run switch 268 on the body 212 of the immersionblender 200 can be depressed and maintained in a depressed condition.The switch engagement member 332 can be adjusted laterally by a rotationof an adjustment wheel 334 that includes a plurality of undulations 336thereon. Alternatively, the adjustment wheel 334 may act to draw theimmersion blender 200 closer to the bowl clamp 260, resulting in theswitch engagement member 332 being forced into contact with theinterlock switch 253. The undulations 336 are provided to ease rotationof the wheel 334 by a user. The adjustment wheel 334 is retained by acoverplate 337. The adjustment wheel 334 can be rotated by a user tomove the switch engagement member 332 into and out of engagement withthe interlock switch 253. In the event the user wishes to lock theimmersion blender 200 in a running state, then the user would rotate theadjustment wheel 334 such that the switch engagement member 332 engagesthe interlock switch 253. At the same time, the continuous run switch268 would be depressed while the pulse button 201 is also depressed. Thecontinuous run switch 268 can then be released by the user and the pulsebutton 201 can then be released by the user. Both the interlock switch253 and the pulse button 201 will remain actuated, which results in themotor 217 continuing to run and the blade 242 at the end of the shaft218 continuing to rotate. In the event the user wishes to deactivate theimmersion blender 200 in the hand free state, the user simply depressesthe pulse button 201, the continuous run switch 268, the on/off switch233, or unplugs the immersion blender 200 from the power source, ordisengages the immersion blender 200 with the bowl clamp 260.

As previously noted, the secondary handle 227 that is provided with theimmersion blender 200 does not include the switch engagement member 332configured to engage the interlock switch 253 inside the receiving port263. Consequently, when the secondary handle 227 is coupled with theimmersion blender 200, the immersion blender 200 cannot be left in anoperating state unless the user is manually applying force to the pulsebutton 201.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or numeral ofadjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. Itshould be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mixing appliance assembly comprising: a housingincluding a motor and a shaft operably coupled with the motor andextending outwardly from the housing; a top handle operably coupled witha top end of the housing and including a pulse button and a continuousrun switch; a side port disposed in the housing, the side portconfigured to receive a port connecting member and having aninterlocking feature comprising: an interlock switch disposed inside theside port; and a switch engagement member configured to engage theinterlock switch such that the continuous run switch can be depressed; abowl clamp engageable with the side port and configured to removablysecure the housing to a bowl, the bowl clamp including the switchengagement member; and a side handle engageable with the side port andconfigured to be removably coupled with the housing and aid a user inhandling the mixing appliance, the side handle being free of the switchengagement member.
 2. The mixing appliance assembly of claim 1, whereinthe side handle includes an elongate configuration.
 3. The mixingappliance assembly of claim 2, wherein the side handle includes a flangedefining a flared connecting end of the handle.
 4. The mixing applianceassembly of claim 1, further comprising: a band that extends around thehousing.
 5. The mixing appliance assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of lateral vents extending around the housing.6. The mixing appliance assembly of claim 1, wherein the housingincludes an upper portion proximate the top handle and a lower portionproximate the upper portion, and further wherein the upper portionincludes a smaller width than the lower portion.
 7. The mixing applianceassembly of claim 1, further comprising: a downwardly turned cup portiondisposed on a distal end of a shaft cover.
 8. The mixing applianceassembly of claim 1, wherein the top handle extends laterally betweenfirst and second supports.
 9. The mixing appliance assembly of claim 1,wherein the top handle extends from the housing in a direction awayfrom, but concentrically aligned with, the shaft cover.
 10. A mixingappliance assembly comprising: a housing including a top end and abottom end; a shaft extending from the bottom end of the housing, theshaft including a proximal end and a distal end; a motor disposed insidethe housing and operably coupled with the proximal end of the shaft; ablade disposed on the distal end of the shaft and configured to rotateabout a central axis of the shaft upon activation of the motor; a tophandle operably coupled with the top end of the housing; and a side portdisposed in the housing, the side port configured to engage at least oneof a handle and a bowl clamp, the side port including an interlockingfeature that is actuated when the bowl clamp is engaged with the sideport such that a continuous run feature of the motor can be activated.11. The mixing appliance assembly of claim 10, wherein the side handleis elongate in configuration and includes a flange defining a flaredconnecting end.
 12. The mixing appliance assembly of claim 10, furthercomprising: a plurality of lateral vents extending around the housing.13. The mixing appliance assembly of claim 10, wherein the housingincludes an upper portion proximate the top handle and a lower portionproximate the upper portion, and further wherein the upper portionincludes a smaller width than the lower portion.
 14. The mixingappliance assembly of claim 10, further comprising: a downwardly turnedcup portion disposed on a distal end of a shaft cover.
 15. The mixingappliance assembly of claim 10, wherein the top handle extends from thehousing in a direction away from, but concentrically aligned with, theshaft cover.
 16. A mixing appliance assembly comprising: a housingincluding a motor and a shaft operably coupled with the motor andextending outwardly from the housing; a top handle operably coupled witha top end of the housing and including a pulse button; and a portdisposed in the housing, the port including an interlocking feature thatis actuated upon connection with a bowl clamp such that a continuous runfeature of the motor can be activated.
 17. The mixing appliance assemblyof claim 16, further comprising: a bowl clamp including a pin configuredto engage the continuous run feature.
 18. The mixing appliance assemblyof claim 17, wherein the bowl clamp includes an adjustment wheeloperably coupled with the pin.
 19. The mixing appliance assembly ofclaim 16, further comprising: a handle that includes an elongateconfiguration and which is adapted to engage the port.
 20. The mixingappliance assembly of claim 16, wherein the top handle extends from thehousing in a direction away from, but concentrically aligned with, ashaft cover.